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Regular brushing will help tackle plaque and tartar and freshen stinky breath teeth sensitive gel
Maintaining your dog's teeth is essential for staving off dental problems. Tooth-brushing, with a pet-friendly formula and a specially designed brush, should be your first line of defence.
"Dental disease happens mostly due to a lack of brushing, but is more common in older dogs, certain breeds including Yorkshire Terriers and Greyhounds, and dogs with a poor diet,” says Shauna Walsh, PDSA Vet Nurse. Dental problems can range from mild plaque and gingivitis to painful swelling of the gums — and, in severe cases, tooth loss. Walsh recommends brushing daily, to get rid of soft plaque before it turns into a solid tatar. Ideally, owners will start teeth-cleaning at the puppy stage but with dogs of any age, if brushing their teeth for the first time, she advises starting slowly.
"Start out by giving them a small taste of the dog-safe toothpaste and go from there. Pastes will be flavours that appeal to dogs, such as meaty flavours, or there are some mint versions. Positively introduce the toothbrush to them as well, and don't force it."
She adds: "You may need to get your dog happy and used to you touching their mouth and teeth before you try and touch them with the toothbrush. Unlike human toothpaste, which is designed to be spat out, dog toothpaste stays on."
What about if your dog finds having their teeth brushed stressful? The PDSA advises that while other methods such as chew toys, dental treats and dental supplements in food can help, they are not as effective as regular teeth brushing.
"Dogs do tend to chew using their back teeth, which means their front teeth perhaps aren’t getting the same benefits," says Walsh of those alternatives.
She recommends getting your pet's teeth checked regularly so any dental disease can be picked up early. Smelly breath, swollen gums, teeth discolouration, plaque build-up and broken or missing teeth are all signs to look out for.
The formulas on this list vary: some are pastes others have a more gel-like consistency. Those classified as enzymatic pastes have active ingredients that target harmful bacteria, which stops plaque build-up. There are also a couple of natural options, including a seaweed-based plaque remover that you add to food. There are some kits, which can be a cost-effective option if you need a new toothbrush or finger brushes. A number are suitable for both dogs and cats. Remember dosages may differ according to your pet's size and age so check product information before using.
Take a look at the best dog toothpastes to buy now and make sure your dog's oral health routine is up to scratch.
Here’s a kit from plant-based specialists Vet’s Best. Natural ingredients like vitamin C, clove leaf oil, grapefruit seed extract and peppermint combine to control plaque and tartar as well as freshen breath. On its own the paste is usually around £5.50, so this kit, with a cleverly designed toothbrush with bristles on three sides, is good value. Owners do report that the brush is bulkier than some on the market and therefore not ideal for the smallest dogs, such as Chihuahuas.
UK brand PetSol’s minty paste works for cats and dogs and this good-value kit comes with three brushes: two that you pop on your finger and one longer one with two heads (the smaller head is good for cats and small-mouthed pups). For any pets resistant to opening their mouths, the brand recommends that you pop a bit on their paw for them to lick off.
Another one for cats and dogs of all ages, Beaphar’s liver-flavoured paste contains plaque and tartar-busting enzymes. “This is the only toothpaste I’ve used that my dogs actually like and therefore will let me clean their teeth quite happily. It also makes a noticeable difference to the plaque build up and smell of breath,” says one satisfied owner.
Logic's effective Oral Hygiene Gel is one that can be used with or without brushing – apply to teeth and gums with the applicator nozzle or a finger. Owners report visible plaque reduction even if they’ve not been able to coax a brush in their pet’s mouth. It's great for breath-freshening and is suitable for both cats and dogs.
This toothpaste harnesses enzymes to fight plaque, tartar and bacteria. It comes in four flavours –seafood, beef, poultry and malt – so there should be one even for the fussiest of pets. One owner who brushes her dog’s teeth every day said: “This was recommended by our vet years ago, our pup is 11 now and still has great teeth.”
Cinnamon, eucalyptus and parsley oils combine with gentle abrasives to tackle tartar and freshen breath. You don’t need a brush to apply this thick paste; apply it along the gum and teeth line, then holding the muzzle, gently massage. Users report that it’s particularly good for soothing puppies’ sore gums when they’re teething.
If you’re after a toothpaste with natural ingredients or your pet has a sensitive stomach that hasn’t responded well to enzymatic toothpastes, try TropiClean. There’s no brushing needed, you just put one drop on each side of your pup’s mouth. Owners are particularly impressed with its breath-freshening capabilities. This one also comes in a peanut butter flavour
This popular US brand is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council in the states (it will only approve products that data shows have reduced plaque and tartar build-up). Though it is more expensive than some on the list, this tube will last for months and users have been impressed. “This saved me a trip to the vet removing hard plaque on the back of one of my old dog's teeth,” said one. It comes in three flavours: cheese, “london broil" (beef) and chicken, but is actually odourless to humans.
If you’re after a natural formula for teeth-cleaning refuseniks, try Medipaws' plaque remover. This seaweed powder works to combat plaque and tartar and rather than forcing brushing if your pet struggles with it, this can be sprinkled on food once a day. Note that it will take longer to see results than if you were brushing with toothpaste.
Another one for dogs who struggle with a toothbrush. This has a gluey consistency and binds to teeth and gums to work over 24 hours. Users say that this makes it particularly good at getting to those hard-to-access back teeth, plus it’s great for reducing gum inflammation.
This enzymatic toothpaste is infused with baking soda, which helps to keep teeth clean while the enzymes work on the tartar and plaque. Owners like the vanilla scent and are impressed with its breath-freshening prowess.
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